Leaves?

[Judy S]

I have wondered about the same thing...what species of dec. trees to use for the litter...and what is so special about magnolia leaves..? Size? And why just "live" oak versus the other more readily available oak species, i.e., red, white..etc. Since I have so many trees that I have planted on this farm about 85, I have a good selection. Do I cut off a branch and let them dry or do I wait for the fall when they shed..at which point in either case I would sterilize them...Thanks for guidance!!

[JimO]

I actually sell and ship a lot of live oak, magnolia, and bay leaves. The main reason people like them is that they are durable. Most leaves with toxins would not affect an animal unless they consume the leaf and I believe that toxins begin to break down when the leaves dry.

If you want to maintain a local look to the tank, you might consider mountain laurel or rhododendron leaves, which are thick and probably would hold up well in a damp viv environment.

I'd be happy to sell you some leaves, but I only sell in bulk (1 cf (7.5 gal) or more) and I'm sure that if you only need a small quantity, something local would work. The deciduous oaks would work as well, but if the substrate is too wet, decayed leaves get messy and for species that don't like their feet wet all the time, this wouldn't be the best set up.

[Judy S]

thanks for the reply...interesting..but the live oak thing still has me curious why that specific species rather than so many of the oaks...Since I'm in the Rhododendron Society (ARS)--I have PLENTY of leaves, particularly after THIS season...sort of a surprise though because they are poisonous to so many animals!! Especially laurel...Thanks again...Judy